For years, we've had a mantra when discussing airport lounges in the U.S.: There are Amex Centurion Lounges … then everything else. It really that simple.
American Express's signature collection of airport lounges scattered across the U.S. (with a growing collection abroad) have long been regarded as the best in the business thanks to comfortable seating, higher caliber food, and top-notch beer, wine, and cocktails – all of it free once you're in the lounge. American Express doubled down on these lounges through the pandemic, opening brand new locations and expanding several others.
But they've become popular to a fault, with long lines to get in forcing Amex to begin charging cardholders for guests starting in February 2023. Meanwhile, Chase and Capital One are gunning for Amex's crown by building out lounge networks of their own.
Still, there's a lot to love about Amex Centurion Lounges – especially if you've got a credit card that can get you in for free. But what are these lounges like? Where can you find them? And how can you get in?
Let's take a look.
Current Amex Centurion Lounge Locations
In all, there are currently 15 Amex Centurion lounges that have opened: 13 in the U.S., one in Hong Kong (HKG) and the newest location in London-Heathrow (LHR).
Here's a quick rundown of where you can find Centurion lounges today. As of publication, all of them are open today after closing – though some locations may intermittently close for repairs or major expansion projects.
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DEN)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- London-Heathrow (LHR)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York City-JFK (JFK)
- New York City-LaGuardia (LGA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
In the last few years alone, American Express has opened up six brand new Centurion lounges in Charlotte (CLT), Los Angeles (LAX), New York City-JFK (JFK), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), and London-Heathrow (LHR).
Meanwhile, Amex completely relocated and expanded its overrun New York City (LGA) location as well as in Seattle (SEA). The bank has also drastically expanded its longstanding San Francisco (SFO) and Las Vegas (LAS) lounges.
Read more: Amex Doubled Down on Centurion Lounges During COVID-19, What's Next?
And they're not done yet…
Upcoming Amex Centurion Lounges
The credit card company has at least three more Centurion Lounge locations in the works in the U.S.
- Atlanta (ATL): Amex hasn't said much about a potential location in the world's busiest airport, but it's clear they're working on it.
- Newark (EWR): Amex is working on an 18,000-square-foot lounge in Newark's expanded Terminal A, with aims to open in the summer of 2023.
- Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA): An 11,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge was supposed to open in the nation's capital by the end of 2022, but there's no final word on its opening date yet.
How To Get Amex Centurion Lounge Access
These are premium airport lounges. To get in, you'll need a premium travel credit card in your wallet.
In order to access an Amex Centurion Lounge, you need to hold The Platinum Card® from American Express, or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
Click Here to learn more about the Platinum Card from American Express.
Click Here to learn more about the Business Platinum Card from American Express.
You can also get in with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta's top-tier card. But there's a hitch: You have to be flying Delta that day, and you must have paid for your ticket with your Reserve card.
Click Here to learn more about the Delta Reserve Card from American Express.
Finally, you can get in with the American Express Centurion Card, which is an invite-only credit card reserved for Amex’s top spenders.
Head to the lounge and simply present your Platinum, Reserve, or Centurion card along with a same-day boarding pass on any airline. There is no requirement that you purchased the flight with your Amex Platinum card. You can also now “check-in” ahead of time using the Amex app and simply show your ID and boarding pass upon arrival.
With all these cards that get you into Centurion Lounges and more and more travelers adding them to their wallets, crowding has become a serious problem. Amex has repeatedly tightened up on when you can get into Centurion lounges to combat crowding.
As of early 2019, you can only get into a Centurion Lounge within three hours of your originally scheduled flight departure. Luckily, this policy doesn't apply if you're at the airport during a layover. Without a layover, you can no longer get into the lounge upon arrival – only departing flights will qualify for a visit.
But recently, the bank has made an even more drastic changes that will make it expensive to bring a travel buddy with you into the lounge…
Centurion Lounge Guest Access
Want to bring a friend or family member for free? You're officially out of luck.
For years, Amex Platinum cardholders could bring two guests into the lounge with them for free. But those days are over: As of Feb. 1, 2023 guests cost $50 apiece (or $30 for minors) unless you charged a whopping $75,000 to your Platinum Card in the last year. Children under two will be admitted free of charge
Delta Reserve cardholders do not receive any complimentary guests, either – but they never have.
Thrifty Tip: Consider adding your travel companion as an Amex Platinum authorized user – they'll get their own lounge access!
Amex Centurion Lounge Food, Drink & Amenities
Wondering what you'll find at your next Centurion Lounge? It depends on which location you visit, as every lounge is a little bit different.
But all Centurion Lounges offer complimentary drinks and food, Wi-Fi, private workspaces, and comfortable furniture to unwind before your flight. And in nearly every regard, it's all a step above what you'll get in standard airport lounges – at least in the U.S.
Much of the cuisine comes from James Beard award-winning chefs with a local connection to the city you're in. Food is served buffet-style, with different selections during breakfast, lunchtime, and dinner. Some location – like the Philadelphia (PHL) Centurion Lounge – are known for their top-notch food. But in general, you can usually count on a tasty meal – not just finger food or cold snacks.
The same is true for cocktail lists, as Amex works with some of the nation's top mixologists to curate the selections. For example, check out this outstanding cocktail list from the Las Vegas (LAS) Centurion Lounge.
Amex has taken its emphasis on cocktails to a new level in New York City (JFK), where they built a speakeasy bar on the lower level dubbed 1850, a nod to the year Amex was founded. And there are some seriously tasty cocktails there, like this Boulevardier complete with an 1850-branded ice cube.
The new Denver Centurion Lounge has not one but two bars, including a craft beer bar pouring specialty brews from the area.
In most (but not all) lounges, you can find shower suites. Newer locations have other amenities. The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) lounge has a spa, where you can take advantage of a complimentary spa. In New York City (JFK), you'll find an Equinox Body Lab, where you can pick from a handful of therapies, treatments, exercises, and massages – all free.
Thrifty Tip: Download the LoungeBuddy mobile app. This is a great way to navigate the benefits available at each of the individual Amex Centurion Lounges.
A Glimpse at Each Amex Centurion Lounge
While each Amex Centurion lounge is fantastic, they're all a bit different. Here's a quick glimpse at all the current Centurion lounges.
Charlotte (CLT)
Opened in early 2020, the Charlotte Centurion lounge is among the newest locations in Amex's portfolio. The new space in Charlotte clocks in at 13,000 square feet, located on the top floor between Concourses D and E above “The Plaza,” the airport’s new space. It's open daily from 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
The lounge has two shower suites for travelers who need to freshen up. It has a dedicated room for families with children. And acclaimed local chef Joe Kindred is behind the wheel, serving up dishes like buttermilk fried chicken, grilled cauliflower steak, and milk bread french toast.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
The Dallas Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal D, across from Gate 12 and just up an elevator on the mezzanine level. It's open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
After moving to a new location in 2018, it now clocks in at 12,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest Amex Centurion Lounges.
Still, the lounge can get very busy.
Read our full review of the Dallas Centurion Lounge!
Denver (DEN)
Denver is one of Amex's newest Centurion Lounges. And it's outstanding.
Amex took everything that makes Centurion Lounges great and kicked it into a higher gear here. It's 14,650 square feet, bigger than most other Amex lounges. But it's also got a unique, local flair thanks to a mountain-themed game room, a craft beer bar pouring Denver-area brews, and views of the Rocky Mountains beyond the tarmac.
The Denver Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse C – home to airlines like Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit – near Gate C46. The Denver lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Check out our full review of the Denver Centurion Lounge!
Hong Kong (HKG)
Hong Kong airport is full of great lounges, and the Hong Kong Centurion Lounge is no exception. The lounge is located in Terminal 1, just up an escalator or elevator around Gate 60. It's open from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
The lounge is perched over the terminal, with great views of the tarmac. That said, the Hong Kong Centurion lounge is certainly on the small side. And in our experience, the food offerings aren't on par with what you can get from U.S. Centurion lounges. It's a great spot to stop for a cocktail or glass of wine between flights, though.
Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)
The Houston Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal D, open daily frmo 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It's accessible via the elevator located in the duty-free shop near Gate D6. You can access Terminal D from other terminals without going through security via the SKYWAY (upper level) train. The Subway (lower, basement level) train connects all terminals outside of security.
The kitchen is run by local chef Justin Yu, the brains behind Houston restaurant Theodore Rex.
Las Vegas (LAS)
The Las Vegas Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse D, opposite Gate D1. Concourse D is accessible from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 via the airport's transit system. You can get in daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Las Vegas Centurion Lounge was the company's very first lounge, with all the usual amenities. But Amex has expanded the space from its old, 9,000-square-foot footprint to more than 13,000 square feet. Amex added a few multi-purpose areas, new private telephone rooms, a newly designed reception area, new workspace areas, and freshened up the entire space.
Even with all that extra space, the Vegas lounge tends to fill up fast.
Read our full review of the Centurion Lounge Las Vegas!
London-Heathrow (LHR)
London was calling, and Amex went there.
This is Amex's newest Centurion Lounge and just its second bonafide international location. The new London-Heathrow (LHR) Centurion Lounge opened in October 2021.
The new lounge clocks in at 7,000 square feet, located in Heathrow’s Terminal 3. That means flyers with Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and a handful of other carriers can easily access the lounge when it’s open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Aside from the normal Centurion flourishes, the London location has some quintessentially British flair. That includes a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit with dishes like homemade Kubalah bread and an olive oil cake with pistachio anglaise and rose water diplomat, plus a special British tea cart for guests. There are also London-inspired art installations scattered throughout the lounge.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Opened in early 2020, the Los Angeles (LAX) Centurion lounge is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal. After a prolonged closure due to some puzzling repairs, it's back open each day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At 14,000 square feet, it's one of the biggest Centurion lounges to date – all built around a stunning centerpiece bar. But you can also find unique amenities like an onsite spa, nap rooms, and relaxation rooms.
Amex tapped local chef Nancy Silverton to cook up some signature meals for the lounge like mozzarella meatballs, farro salad with herbs and feta, and roasted beets in a horseradish vinaigrette.
Miami (MIA)
The Miami Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse D near Gate D12 on the fourth floor. If you are coming from another terminal, you must re-enter through security with either a connecting or onward boarding pass. It's open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The lounge's standout feature is a spa with complimentary massages and manicures. but James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein also whips up some delicious food.
Read our review of the Miami Centurion Lounge.
New York City-JFK (JFK)
One of the newest Centurion Lounges is also one of the biggest and best yet.
Opened in October 2020 in Terminal 4, the JFK Centurion lounge clocks in at 15,000 square feet, spanning two floors. It's located just past security, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The JFK Centurion has tons of seating space, special fitness and yoga rooms, shower suites, and even a speakeasy dubbed “1850.”
Check out our full review of the JFK Centurion Lounge!
New York City-LaGuardia (LGA)
The New York City-LaGuardia (LGA) Centurion lounge is back and better than ever.
It was old and undersized, and confusingly located before passing through airport security in Terminal B. Now, it's behind security and more than twice the size, with a dedicated family room, more workspace and phone rooms, and features soaring views of the New York City skyline.
It's open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Saturday, when it closes at 9 p.m.
Read our review of the LGA Centurion Lounge!
Philadelphia (PHL)
The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal A West, near Gate A14. It can be reached from any other terminal by walking or via shuttle bus. You can get in from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
While fairly small at 6,300 square feet, the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge is renowned for its food thanks to local chef Michael Solomonov, who has designed a special Israeli menu for the lounge.
Phoenix (PHX)
Another addition in early 2020, the new Phoenix Centurion Lounge is one of the smallest, period – it clocks in under 5,000 square feet.
You can find it in Terminal 4 across from Gate 22 on the upper level, where it shares an entrance with the new Escape Lounge. The Centurion Lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Read our review of the Phoenix Centurion Lounge.
San Francisco (SFO)
The San Francisco Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 3, near Gate 74 past security. It's open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Once Exhibit A for lounge overcrowding, Amex made its San Francisco lounge nearly twice as big in 2022 with a major expansion and refresh. Plus, the menu is designed by local chef Ravi Kapur, with a focus on California flair.
This lounge, too, is set to get some substantial improvements. Amex is expanding it to 16,000 square feet, adding a second bar and even a cafe area.
Seattle (SEA)
Your next flight out of Seattle (SEA) just got much better.
This airport in the Pacific Northwest was long home to one of the smallest Centurion Lounges in the entire network at just 4,500 square feet – with subpar food and drink offerings, too. But that changed in February 2023 as Amex threw open the doors to a brand new Seattle Centurion Lounge that's roughly triple the size.
The new lounge is located on the newly created mezzanine level of the Central Terminal. It's open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beyond the bigger footprint, you'll find special touches like floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the lounge with natural light and views of the Olympic Mountains, smart finishes, and even a dedicated coffee bar where baristas will whip you up a beverage.
Other International Amex Lounge Locations
On top of the Centurion lounges scattered throughout airports across the United States, they also have several other lounges exclusively for Platinum cardholders across the globe.
Recently, American Express has brought these lounges under the banner of the Centurion Lounge name. These lounges typically aren't quite as impressive as the locations in the U.S. – though that should change over time. But they're still a nice place to relax away from the busy terminal.
You can get in with the same card you use to access other Centurion Lounges – though some of these lounges have different guest policies.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE): The Centurion Lounge in Buenos Aires is located in Terminal C on level 2 near gate 15. The lounge is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Delhi, India (DEL): The Centurion Lounge in Delhi is located in Terminal 3, near gates 27 and 28. It's open 24 hours a day.
- Melbourne, Australia (MEL): The Centurion Lounge in Melbourne is located in Terminal 2, down the escalators across from gate 7. It's open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Mexico City, Mexico (MEX): The Centurion Lounge in Mexico City is located in International Terminal 1 by the entrance of the international security filters. The Lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is also another Centurion location located in the International area past security on floor 2 by Gate K.
- Monterrey, Mexico (MTY): The Centurion Lounge in Monterrey is located in Terminal A on the departure level near gate 4. There is a second Centurion Club located in Terminal B on the departure level in front of door 4. Both lounges are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- Mumbai, India (BOM): The Centurion Lounge in Mumbai is located in Terminal 2 on the third level in the domestic departures area. It's open 24 hours a day.
- Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU): The Centurion Lounge in Sao Paulo is located in Terminal 3, after security and passport control. It's open daily from 11 a.m. until 3 a.m.
- Stockholm, Sweden (ARN): The Stockholm Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 5 between the A and F piers. It's open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, though it closes at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Sydney, Australia (SYD): The Sydney Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 1, near gates 50-63. It's open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bottom Line
There is no better way to improve your airport experience than by having access to a lounge network. And when it comes to the airport lounges you can get into with a credit card, none are better than Amex Centurion lounges.
You missed Heathrow. Just opened in October.
Thanks Julie, oversight on our part – we’ve added it!
At SFO, Terminal 2 and 3 (and thus G) are now connected airside, potentially enabling Terminal 2 passengers to now reach the AmEx lounge (though it’s a long walk). More info: https://www.flysfo.com/media/press-releases/connecting-between-terminals-sfo-just-got-whole-lot-easier
Hi, I heard through many comments that in Mumbai, India they deny you access to enter the lounge if your AMEX Platinum card is issued in US. Is there any truth to it? Thanks.
Ravi Joshi
Hi Ravi. We don’t have any personal experience with that, so I can’t say for sure.